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Understanding Identity Theft

Posted on Friday, November 11, 2011

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Your identity belongs to you. Here are some suggestions from Tomlinson Insurance to help you protect it.

One smart and effective way to protect yourself against identity theft is to prevent it. If your identity is stolen, you'll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly, whether you live in Ohio or elsewhere.

Start with Good Habits

Print out a copy of this page and store it in a convenient place

Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place

Shred papers with personal information

Reduce your credit card accounts, and only carry the cards you need

Write checks with a permanent pen, and mail from a secure place

Photocopy both sides of your credit cards and store safely

Watch Your Accounts Closely

Review balances and transactions often by phone or online

Make sure every transaction on your credit card statements is accurate

Take advantage of free credit reports and watch for unusual activity

Sign up with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax and stagger your requests to get a free credit report every four months or sign up for credit watch services which will report directly to you for a fee

Fill Out the FTC Affidavit Quickly

The FTC Theft Affidavit supplies proof that you didn't authorize any accounts opened or debts run up by the identity thief

New accounts need this FTC affidavit form to investigate the fraud and process your claim

Call your existing accounts for instructions on disputing unauthorized charges as other forms may be needed

Keep originals of the affidavit, as well as all supporting materials such as driver's license or police report. Send copies only.

Send quickly - many creditors request that you send the affidavit within two weeks